Sports news from Los Angeles and beyond

Jamie McCourt opens up, says accusations are 'devastating'

November 10, 2009 | 9:53
am

Times Sports columnist T.J. Simers sat down with Jamie McCourt for an hour this morning, and she gave her first public comments on the breakup of her marriage and the pending struggle for ownership of the Dodgers.

McCourt -- "creamed," as she said in divorce disclosures -- told Simers, "I'm going to take the high road -- I have four kids -- this is not something I would have played out in the public.

"To read everything that's been said is devastating, and my kids are pretty upset about it."

McCourt made it clear, "I have never been with another man until the marriage broke up. Ever. Ever."

She went on to rebut a number of allegations mentioned in court filings while explaining comments like "I've been the face of the Dodgers," which have opened her to ridicule.

The McCourts have been separated since July 6, according to court filings, and attorneys for each side have been swiping at the other since word of the separation became public in mid-October. Jamie McCourt has acknowledged being in a romantic relationship, though she said it did not begin until after she and her husband had separated.

Frank McCourt, accusing his wife of insubordination and inappropriate behavior, fired her as chief executive of the Dodgers on Oct. 21, and Jamie McCourt filed for divorce Oct. 27, laying claim to half of the Dodgers and the couple's reported $1.2 billion in assets.

She also asked that she be immediately reinstated to her position with the club.

On Nov. 5, that request to be reinstated was rejected in Los Angeles Superior Court, though the question of ownership of the Dodgers is one that will not be resolved for some time.